Fuel Tech Reports 2025 First Quarter Financial Results

Core Insights - Fuel Tech, Inc. reported a strong first quarter performance for 2025, with consolidated revenues increasing by 29% to $6.4 million compared to $5.0 million in Q1 2024, primarily driven by a 92% rise in FUEL CHEM® revenue [4][6][8] - The company achieved a gross margin of 46.4% in Q1 2025, up from 40.9% in Q1 2024, reflecting improved performance in the FUEL CHEM segment [5][6] - The backlog for the company grew by 66% to $10.3 million, marking the highest quarterly backlog since 2022, indicating strong future demand [2][6][7] Financial Performance - FUEL CHEM segment revenue rose 92% to $5.1 million from $2.6 million in Q1 2024, attributed to outage completions and increased dispatch [8][20] - Air Pollution Control (APC) segment revenue decreased to $1.3 million from $2.3 million in Q1 2024, primarily due to timing of project execution [7][20] - The net loss for Q1 2025 was $(739,000), or $(0.02) per share, compared to net income of $281,000, or $0.01 per share in Q1 2024, which included a one-time other income amount [6][17] Operational Highlights - The company expects continued strong performance from the FUEL CHEM segment throughout 2025, driven by the return to full operation of base accounts and new commercial accounts [3][6] - Management is pursuing additional FUEL CHEM opportunities both domestically and internationally, with a new demonstration of TIFI® technology expected to commence in late Q3 2025 [3][6] - The company plans to demonstrate its DGI® technology at a fish hatchery in the Western U.S. late in Q2 2025, with hopes of generating commercial revenues in 2025 [3][6] Financial Condition - As of March 31, 2025, the company had $31.2 million in cash, cash equivalents, and investments, with no long-term debt [2][9] - The consolidated gross margin for Q1 2025 was 46.4%, reflecting a strong contribution from the FUEL CHEM segment [5][6] - Selling, general and administrative expenses remained flat at $3.3 million, but as a percentage of revenues, they declined to 52.4% from 67.5% in Q1 2024 [5][6]